University students' perceptions of the effectiveness of male and female leaders in different work settings

Abstract

This study concerns the perceptions of University students' regarding the effectiveness of male and female leaders in different work settings. Gender has a large influence on leadership and studies show that there are various different perceptions towards male and female leaders; with some studies saying that there are distinct differences and others stating that differences are barely noticeable. The size of the company has an effect on leadership as well. Small companies generally have one leader whilst larger companies may have a team of leaders. In this study, the perceptions of University students' on gender differences in large and small companies are researched. The sample was taken from University of Malta students. The participants were asked to rate male or female leaders in small or large companies using the Satisfaction with my Supervisor scale. Four questionnaires with different scenarios were created, data gathered from the questionnaires were then analysed using SPSS version 21 and compared to past literature. The results of the current study find that there were no gender differences in perceived effectiveness of leadership in large or small companies with the exception of female leaders in small companies which revealed significant results.